The Moments Between the Milestones

Sometimes life has a way of reminding us to slow down.

For me, the past couple of months have been exactly that—a season filled with celebrations, unexpected pauses, adventures, laughter, and the kind of memories that quietly become some of the most meaningful chapters of our lives.

Since the beginning of May, Jordan has been home from college, and I don't think I realized how much I needed that time together until we were living it. Between work, writing, running my business, and trying to balance everything life demands, having him home has been a gift. We've laughed more than I can count, shared countless conversations, and simply enjoyed spending time together.

Looking back, May was filled with moments worth celebrating.

Earlier in the month, I escaped for a little family getaway to SeaWorld with my brother Chris, his girlfriend, Jessica, and their kids. Jordan unfortunately had to work and couldn't join us, but it was wonderful spending time together and making memories with family. And yes... no Florida trip ever seems complete without a stop at Bahama Breeze.

Then came one of my favorite memories of the entire summer.

On May 23, Jordan got his very first tattoo, and we decided to make it even more memorable by getting matching tattoos: Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.

If you know us, you know just how perfectly that fits our personalities. We've always had a relationship built on humor, inside jokes, and keeping each other laughing. It wasn't just about getting tattoos—it was about sharing a milestone together. Every time I look at mine, I'll think about that day.

A few days later, on May 28, Eevee and Remington celebrated their second birthdays. It feels impossible that they're already two years old. They've brought so much joy, chaos, and unconditional love into our home, and life simply wouldn't be the same without them.

To wrap up the month, I crossed another experience off my bucket list by seeing Journey in concert on May 31. There's something magical about hearing songs you've loved for years performed live. For a few hours, nothing else mattered except the music and the moment.

June 17, we celebrated Jordan's 19th birthday with family friends at Marker 107. Good food, great company, and plenty of laughter made for the perfect evening.

The very next day, we took a day trip to Daytona. We spent time shopping, enjoying the beach atmosphere, and had an amazing meal at Beach Hut Cantina. There's something about being near the ocean that always helps me reset.

The salty air, the sound of the waves, and the slower pace remind me that it's okay to pause and simply enjoy where you are.

A week later, on June 24, I celebrated my own 37th birthday with a quiet dinner at Melody's. It wasn't extravagant, and honestly, it didn't need to be.

As I've gotten older, I've realized that birthdays aren't about how big the celebration is—they're about who you're fortunate enough to celebrate with.

Life also reminded me that slowing down isn't always a choice.

For a couple of weeks, I battled bronchitis, and my body made it very clear that I couldn't continue running at full speed. At first, I was frustrated. I had deadlines, projects, and plans that suddenly had to wait. But in hindsight, I needed that reminder. Rest isn't laziness. Sometimes it's necessary. Sometimes it's exactly what allows us to appreciate everything else.

Looking ahead, I'm already excited because my brother and his family will be visiting us in Georgia for the Fourth of July weekend. More laughter, more stories, and more memories waiting to be made.

This season has reminded me that family isn't always limited to the people you're related to by blood. It's also the people who consistently show up, celebrate with you, support you, laugh with you, and make ordinary moments feel extraordinary. Those relationships deserve to be cherished.

As an author, I spend so much time creating stories.

But these past few months reminded me that some of the best stories aren't written—they're lived.

They're found in matching tattoos, puppy birthdays, beach trips, birthday dinners, concerts, family vacations, quiet evenings, and unexpected reminders to slow down.

One day, these won't just be memories.

They'll be the chapters I look back on with the greatest gratitude.

Thank you for following along on this journey with me. I hope you're taking time to cherish your own moments between the milestones, because those ordinary days often become the ones we remember most.

Until next time,

Author Amber M. McLamb